By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 9: Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh has proposed scenic lay-bys to be built along the planned elevated section of the Second Trunk Road (STR) through Sedilu National Park.
He said the lay-bys could offer motorists opportunities to pause and enjoy the park’s natural beauty without disturbing its wildlife or fragile peat swamp ecosystem, while also providing a potential eco-tourism attraction.
“I hope they provide some lay-bys where people driving along can stop at the roadside to enjoy views of the national park, especially in that area.
“It is up to the Public Works Department (JKR) to provide these facilities,” he told reporters when met at a Hari Raya gathering hosted by Tabung Gagasan Ekonomi Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) at TEGAS Digital Village here today.
While he did not provide specific costs for the elevated section, project plans indicate the viaduct through Sedilu National Park will span about 800 metres, with JKR responsible for maintenance and cleanliness.
Len Talif, who is also the deputy chairman of the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Board of Directors, recalled that the original road alignment plan about 11 years ago intended to cut directly through the Ulu Sebuyau National Park, a proposal he had opposed due to environmental concerns.
“In the past, we initially did not agree to building a road through the Ulu Sebuyau National Park. However, after discussions with the government through JKR, it was agreed that an elevated highway would be built in that area.
“This is to take into account the impact of the highway, especially as Ulu Sebuyau National Park is home to many orangutans.
“It is the only place in Sarawak where orangutans are found in peat swamp areas. That is why the State government agreed to make this section of the road elevated,” he explained.
He also highlighted the importance of public awareness and proper waste disposal, noting that littering along highways can threaten sensitive ecosystems.
“We also need to educate the public, as well as the agencies involved, to provide proper waste disposal facilities along the highway.
“This is part of the educational approach that we need to highlight and share with the public,” he stressed.
On the overall STR project, he said it stretches from the Lanang Bridge to the Pan Borneo Highway and continues towards Roban (Saratok), before linking to the Krian Bridge, which is already open.
He added that the route proceeds from the Krian Bridge to the Batang Saribas 2 Bridge, which is expected to be completed soon, before continuing to Kampung Sepinang, Maludam and Triso, and connecting to the Batang Lupar Bridge, slated for completion in June.
From there, the road will pass through the Sebuyau area towards the Batang Sadong Bridge and continue to the Batang Tambey Bridge in Kota Samarahan.
Upon completion, the STR will complement the Pan Borneo Highway and Coastal Road Network by providing multiple new connectivity options for local communities. — DayakDaily
